“I’ve grown fond of the human experience. Whether it’s struggle or joy. I like to put myself in situations and just feel it. I’m just trying to express the unsaid, you know? In a way, trying to represent the mystery of life.”
-Es Barreto
There really is no conventional way to approach a “definitive” hip-hop sound and style, especially in terms of lyricism. As an American form of music, when we listen to hip-hop we expect certain things to persevere, such as a beat and a rhyme with lyrical tact and rhythmic flow. But what if you were from, say, Uruguay, and you didn’t know English that well, yet shared the same infectious appetite and love for the music? You’d at some point be asking yourself, “What the fuck are they saying?”
Uruguay-born, Boston-based, and aspiring global MC, Es Barreto, along with Kid Carter, are not concerned with rapping in English just yet. Es emerges on the hip-hop scene with just as much hip-hop knowledge, tact, and formula as any American MC, but with roots and themes about his own personal perception of how he expresses his position in the rap game.
The vibe and sound are the priority; delving out the meaning of his rhymes comes secondary.
Although some see a language barrier in place, it is far from an attempt to be elite or create distance.
“When I think of the ideal audience, I think of someone who wants to know what I am saying and how I am saying it. If not now, maybe some time from now.”
“I think of the language difference as more of a bridge and not a barrier,”
says Es in regards to embellishing his fans and listeners to step closer to his music.
eS & Kid – No Para by Es & Kid
As a fan and student of conscious hip-hop artists and pioneers such as Krs-One, Supernatural, and Mos Def, Es’s themes transcend themselves from the ego-driven B-Boy stance, delivering a virtuous and compassionate message.
“I’ve grown fond of the human experience. Whether it’s struggle or joy. I like to put myself in situations and just feel it. I’m just trying to express the unsaid, you know? In a way, trying to represent the mystery of life.”
With his soon to be released album Es & Kid, featuring Kid Carter, the rap outfit hits the stage this Sunday night at Middle East to open for hip-hop legend and recycler, Kool Keith (Black Elvis, Ultramagnetic MCs, Dr. Octagon). When sharing the same bill with Black Elvis, you’ve got to be contributing some genuine flavor to the hip-hop scene.
LEEDZ EDUTAINMENT PRESENTS:
ES & KID
WITH KOOL KEITH
SUN 10.7.12
MIDDLE EAST DOWNSTAIRS
480 MASS. AVE.
CAMBRIDGE
8PM/18+/$15 ADV, $17 DOS
@MIDEASTCLUB
MIDEASTCLUB.COM
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